Such sightings are becoming more common, said Nik Kalejs, a DNR wildlife biologist in the Muskegon area.

Particularly in spring, younger male bears leaving their mothers often venture out on their own and can travel 80 miles or more.

Kalejs said counties that include Montcalm, Kent and Muskegon all are having more black bear sightings.

Populations across the state seem to be on a slight decline, but in Lower Michigan the numbers are steady. State officials estimate there are 14,000 to 19,000 black bears in the state, with most in the Upper Peninsula.

Sunday in Greenville, several people witnessed the young bear roaming around. It was seen near Summit and Sixth streets and Coffren and Fourth streets.

Kalejs said the public generally should steer clear of bears and not try to get closer for a photo.

"Generally speaking, you have to treat a large animal like that with respect," he said. "The main thing is to give it some room to move.

"Certainly, you don't want to put them in a situation where they feel like they are cornered," he said.

Craig Rusnell got close enough Sunday to snap a photo near his home at Summit and Sixth streets.

"You don't see a bear in the city that often," said Rusnell, who estimated he was 20 yards from the animal.

He said he wasn't frightened. Soon after, the bear scampered away and climbed a tree a couple blocks away before eventually coming down and leaving the area.

Kalejs said black bears eat a wide variety of food, even greenery, and may look in garbage cans, dog food dishes and bird feeders for food.

He suggests that people should take care of "attractive food sources" so they are not available to bears.